Quinazoline derivatives as medicaments

ABSTRACT

Quinazoline derivatives and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts are inhibitors of TGFβ activity and are used to treat conditions characterized by enhanced TGFβ activity.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 60/507,910, filed Sep. 30, 2003, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to treating various disorders associated withenhanced activity of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). Morespecifically, it concerns compounds that are related to quinazoline asuseful in these methods

BACKGROUND ART

Transforming growth factor-beta receptor kinase (TGF-β) denotes a familyof proteins, TGF-β1, TGF-β2, and TGF-β3, which are pleiotropicmodulators of cell growth and differentiation, embryonic and bonedevelopment, extracellular matrix formation, hematopoiesis, immune andinflammatory responses (Roberts and Sporn Handbook of ExperimentalPharmacology (1990) 95:419-58; Massague et al. Ann Rev Cell Biol (1990)6:597-646). Other members of this superfamily include activin, inhibin,bone morphogenic protein, and Mullerian inhibiting substance. TGF-βinitiates an intracellular signaling pathway leading ultimately to theexpression of genes that regulate the cell cycle, control proliferativeresponses, or relate to extracellular matrix proteins that mediateoutside-in cell signaling, cell adhesion, migration and intercellularcommunication.

Therefore, inhibitors of the TGF-β intracellular signaling pathway areuseful treatments for fibroproliferative diseases. Specifically,fibroproliferative diseases include kidney disorders associated withunregulated TGF-β activity and excessive fibrosis includingglomerulonephritis (GN), such as mesangial proliferative GN, immune GN,and crescentic GN. Other renal conditions include diabetic nephropathy,renal interstitial fibrosis, renal fibrosis in transplant patientsreceiving cyclosporin, and HIV-associated nephropathy. Collagen vasculardisorders include progressive systemic sclerosis, polymyositis,scleroderma, dermatomyositis, eosinophilic fascitis, morphea, or thoseassociated with the occurrence of Raynaud's syndrome. Lung fibrosesresulting from excessive TGF-β activity include adult respiratorydistress syndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and interstitialpulmonary fibrosis often associated with autoimmune disorders, such assystemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma, chemical contact, orallergies. Another autoimmune disorder associated withfibroproliferative characteristics is rheumatoid arthritis.

Eye diseases associated with a fibroproliferative condition includeretinal reattachment surgery accompanying proliferativevitreoretinopathy, cataract extraction with intraocular lensimplantation, and post glaucoma drainage surgery.

PCT applications WO98/06715, WO98/07425, and WO 96/40143, all of whichare incorporated herein by reference, describe compounds which areeither imidazoles or are indoles substituted at the 3- or 4-positionwith a piperazine ring linked through a carboxamide linkage. Additionalcompounds which are conjugates of piperazines with indoles are describedas insecticides in WO97/26252, also incorporated herein by reference.

The compounds of the invention are quinazoline derivatives. Otherquinazoline compounds for other uses have been described. U.S. Pat. No.5,721,237 assigned to Rhone-Poulenc Rorer is directed to methods forselective treatment of cell growth and differentiation characterized byactivity of human epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor type II usingquinazoline substituted only in the 4-position with an aromatic moietyoptionally coupled to the quinazoline through a linking moiety. U.S.Pat. No. 4,480,883 describes compounds that exhibit tyrosine kinaseinhibition activity wherein the heterocyclic portion of a quinazoline orother fused ring nitrogen-containing aromatic system is substituted onlyonce with an aromatic moiety, again optionally coupled through a linker.U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,582 assigned to Zeneca describes tyrosine kinaseinhibitors which are quinazolines linked through an amino group at the4-position to a substituted or unsubstituted phenyl. These compoundscontain no substituents at position 2. U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,001 alsoassigned to Zeneca describes similar compounds with the same activity.U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,148 assigned to Agouron Pharmaceutical describesantiproliferative substituted quinazolinones and their counterpartswherein the keto group is replaced by a sulfone.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,719,157 to Takeda Chemical Industries describespharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting bone resorption which include4-phenyl quinoline derivatives which may further be substituted at the2-position with an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group or anoptionally substituted heterocyclic group.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,034,393 issued to Hackler et al. describes fungicidesencompassing a genus of pyridopyrimidine, pteridine, pyrimidopyrimidine,pyrimidopyridazine, and pyrimidotriazine derivatives.

None of the foregoing patents describes quinazoline derivatives whichspecifically inhibit TGF-β.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,184,226 assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, Scios Inc., describes compounds and methods of inhibitingp38 kinase activity using substituted quinazolines or quinazolinederivatives having an N in the quinazoline backbone at the 8-position.These compounds include an N-containing substituent at the 1-positionthat links the quinazoline or derivative thereof to an optionallysubstituted phenyl, pyridyl, indolyl, or pyrimidinyl group. PCTapplication WO 00/12497, also assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, Scios Inc., describes compounds and methods of inhibitingp38-α and TGF-β using substituted quinazolines or quinazolinederivatives wherein up to two N's replace up to two C's at the5-position to the 8-position in the quinazoline backbone. Thesecompounds include a linker at the 1-position that links the quinazolineor derivative thereof to an optionally substituted cyclic aliphaticcyclic heteroaliphatic, aromatic or heteroaromatic group. Thesecompounds also include an optionally substituted non-interferingsubstituent at the 2-position. There is no indication which species inthis genus of compounds have a particularly high TGF-β inhibitionactivity, which species have a selective activity for TGF-β inhibitionover p38, nor which species have suppressed epidermal growth factor(EGF) receptor tyrosine kinase activity, which EGF receptor tyrosinekinase activity has been associated with quinazolines and derivativesthereof, see e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,251,912. As kinases have similardomains, it would be useful to have compounds with greater selectivityfor TGF-β, preferably with greater selectivity over p38 or EGF receptor.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention is directed to methods and compounds useful in treatingconditions that are characterized by enhanced TGF-β activity, preferablyselective activity for TGF-β inhibition over p38 kinase, and whichpreferably have suppressed EGFR activity. These conditions includefibro-proliferative diseases, various cancers, and certaincardiovascular disorders as further described below.

Compounds of the invention have been found to inhibit TGF-β and are thususeful in treating diseases mediated by these activities. The compoundsof the invention are of the formula

-   -   or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;    -   wherein each of Z⁵, Z⁶ and Z⁸ is N or CH and wherein one or two        Z⁵, Z⁶, Z⁷ and Z⁸ are N and wherein two adjacent Z positions        cannot be N;    -   wherein m and n are each independently 0-3;    -   wherein two adjacent R¹ groups may be joined to form an        aliphatic heterocycle ring of 5-6 members;    -   wherein each R¹ is independently OH, SH, NH₂, OR, SR, NHR, halo        or R-halide;    -   wherein each R² is independently R, halo, R-halide, OR-halide,        NH₂, CONH₂ or CONHR;    -   wherein R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂        alkenyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4        heteroatoms in place of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where        the optional substituents are ═O, ═N, or OH; and    -   wherein R³ is H or CH₃;    -   with the following provisos:    -   when Z⁵-Z⁷ are CH and Z⁸ is N, when R³ is H, and when the        pyridyl is unsubstituted, then m is 1-3 (i.e., the phenyl is        substituted) and if m is 1, then R¹ is not 2-fluoro or 2-chloro;    -   when Z⁵ and Z⁸ are N and Z⁶ and Z⁷ are CH, when R³ is H, and        when the pyridyl is unsubstituted, then the phenyl is        substituted; and    -   when Z⁵ is N and Z⁶-Z⁸ are CH, when R³ is H, and when the        pyridyl is unsubstituted, then the phenyl is substituted.

Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of the invention use compoundsdefined above and also those having the formula:

-   -   or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;    -   wherein each of Z⁵, Z⁶, Z⁷ and Z⁸ is N or CH and wherein one or        two Z⁵, Z⁶, Z⁷ and Z⁸ are N and wherein two adjacent Z positions        cannot be N;    -   wherein m and n are each independently 0-3;    -   wherein two adjacent R¹ groups may be joined to form an        aliphatic hetero cycle ring of 5-6 members;    -   wherein each R¹ is independently OH, SH, NH₂, OR, SR, NHR, halo        or R-halide;    -   wherein each R² is independently R, halo, R-halide, OR-halide,        NH₂, CONH₂ or CONHR;    -   wherein R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂        alkenyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4        heteroatoms in place of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where        the optional substituents are ═O, ═N, or OH; and    -   wherein R³is H or CH₃.

The invention is directed to methods of treating proliferativeconditions using these compounds. The invention is also directed totreating conditions associated with cardiac diseases using the inventioncompounds.

MODES OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The compounds of formula (1) are useful in treating conditions which arecharacterized by enhanced activity of TGF-β. Conditions “characterizedby enhanced TGF-β activity” include those wherein TGF-β synthesis isstimulated so that TGF-β is present in enhanced amount or wherein TGF-βlatent protein is undesirably activated or converted to active TGF-βprotein or wherein TGF-β receptors are upregulated or wherein the TGF-βprotein shows enhanced binding to cells or extracellular matrix in thelocation of the disease. Thus, “enhanced activity” refers to anycondition wherein the effectiveness of this protein is undesirably high,regardless of the cause.

The compounds of the invention are useful in conditions where TGF-βshows enhanced activity since these compounds inhibit the activities ofthis protein. These conditions are those in which fibrosis and organsclerosis are caused by, or accompanied by, inflammation, oxidationinjury, hypoxia, altered temperature or extracellular osmolarity,conditions causing cellular stress, apoptosis or necrosis. Theseconditions include ischemia-reperfusion injury, congestive heartfailure, progressive pulmonary and bronchial fibrosis, hepatitis,arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, glomerular sclerosis,interstitial renal fibrosis, chronic scarring diseases of the eyes,bladder and reproductive tract, bone marrow dysplasia, chronicinfectious or autoimmune states and traumatic or surgical wounds. Theseconditions, of course, would be benefited by compounds which inhibitTGF-β. Methods of treatment with the compounds of the invention arefurther discussed below.

In addition, the compounds of the invention are useful in treatingconditions which are characterized by enhanced activity of TGF-β whichconditions are preferably not characterized by over activity of p38 orEGF, and thus have greater selectivity over p38 or EGF receptor.

The Invention Compounds

The compounds useful in the invention are derivatives of quinazoline andrelated compounds containing mandatory substituents at positionscorresponding to the 2- and 4-positions of the quinazoline. Preferably,the compounds of the invention include a pteridine or pyridopyrimidinenucleus. Pteridine and 8-pyrido pyrimidine nuclei are preferred. Thus,in one embodiment Z⁵ and Z⁸ are N, and Z⁶ and Z⁷ are CH. However in allcases, at least one of each of Z⁵-Z⁸ must be N.

The position that corresponds to the 2-position of the quinazolinecontains a mandatory phenyl substituent, having 0-4 substituents, namely(R¹)_(m), where m is 0-4.

The position that corresponds to the 4-position of the quinazolinecontains a mandatory —NR³-4′-pyridyl substituent that may optionallycontain 0-4 substituents, namely (R²)_(n), wherein n is 0-4. Preferably,the pyridyl group is unsubstituted, i.e., n is 0. When substituted, thepyridyl moiety is preferably substituted with one or two R²substituents, preferably one R² substituent, which is an alkyl groupsuch as methyl or ethyl; a halo group preferably bromo or iodo; or CONH₂or CONHR where R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkenyl,C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4 heteroatoms inplace of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where the optionalsubstituents are ═O, ═N, or OH; R² is preferably a 3′ substituent of thepyridyl moiety. In a particularly preferred embodiment, m is 0, n is 1,and R² is positioned at the 3′ position of the pyridyl moiety.

In another embodiment, n is 1, and R² is methyl, F, or CONH₂,preferably, at the 1′ or 2′ position.

The R¹ substituent(s) on the phenyl moiety preferably include minimallybulky groups. In one aspect, R is halo, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, andlower alkyl halide groups. Preferably such groups include one or morehalo, such as Cl, F, Br, and I which may be the same or different ifmore than two halo groups are present. In another aspect, R¹ is an alkylhalide containing 1-3 halides, preferably methyl halide and even morepreferably trifluoro methyl. In another aspect, R¹ is an O-alkylarylgroup such as O-benzyl. In another aspect, R¹ is R, OH, SH, NH₂, OR, SRor NHR, where R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkenyl,C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4 heteroatoms inplace of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where the optionalsubstituents are ═O, ═N, or OH. Preferably, R is a lower alkyl,preferably C1-6, more preferably C1-3 alkyl, and even more preferably,methyl, ethyl, propyl or isopropyl. Two adjacent R groups may join tomake an aliphatic or hetero aliphatic ring fused to the 2-phenyl.Preferably, if a fused ring is present it has 5 or 6 members, preferably5 members and contains 1 or more heteroatoms such as N, S or O, andpreferably 1 or 2 O. Preferably, the fused ring is 1,3 dioxolane fusedto phenyl at the 4 and 5 position of the phenyl ring. Preferred R¹groups are F, Cl, Br, I, CH₃, OCH₃, CF₃, OCH(CH₃)₂, OCH₂CH₃, orO-benzyl. Preferably, m is 0, 1 or 2.

The R¹ group or groups that are bound to the 2-phenyl group may be boundat any available position of the phenyl ring. Preferably the R¹ group isbound at the position meta relative to the phenyl's attachment point onthe quinazoline derivative nucleus. Also, in a preferred embodiment whenphenyl is substituted with two groups, the groups are bound at the orthoand meta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thequinazoline derivative, more preferably at non-adjacent ortho and metapositions. Other embodiments include such groups at the ortho or parapositions. A phenyl substituted at both meta positions or adjacent orthoand meta positions are contemplated if two groups are present.Alternatively, two groups may form a fused ring preferably attached atthe meta and para positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thequinazoline derivative. Also it is contemplated the phenyl isunsubstituted.

For compounds containing pyridopyrimidine as the nucleus, when the 6- or7-isomers thereof are present, i.e. the nitrogen is in position 6 or 7of pyridopyrimidine, the phenyl preferably is unsubstituted, orpreferably contains one halo substituent, preferably chlorine, andpreferably attached at the meta position relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety.

Preferably, the phenyl is substituted, preferably with halo, morepreferably one or two halos, and even more preferably chloro at the metaor para positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety or dichloro at both meta positions; or morepreferably substituted with fluoro, preferably difluoro, preferably atthe ortho and meta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety; or more preferably bromo, preferably at themeta position relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety; or more preferably iodo, preferably at the metaposition relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pyridopyrimidinemoiety.

In another preferred embodiment of compounds containing8-pyridopyrimidine, the phenyl group is substituted with two or moredifferent halo substituents, preferably disubstituted, and preferablycontains fluoro and chloro, and more preferably disubstituted at thenon-adjacent ortho and meta positions relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety, more preferably where fluorois at the ortho position and chloro is at the meta position relative tothe phenyl's attachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety; or preferably isdisubstituted with fluoro and bromo, preferably at the non-adjacentortho and meta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety, more preferably where fluoro is at the orthoposition and bromo is at the meta position relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety

In another preferred embodiment in compounds containing8-pyridopyrimidine, the phenyl group is substituted, preferably at oneor two positions, and is preferably substituted with alkoxy orarylaryloxy, preferably methoxy, ethoxy isopropoxy, or benzoxy, andpreferably at the ortho or meta position relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety. In another embodiment incompounds containing 8-pyridopyrimidine, the phenyl is preferablysubstituted with alkyl, preferably methyl, and preferably at the metaposition relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pyridopyrimidinemoiety.

In another preferred embodiment in compounds containing8-pyridopyrimidine, two or more R¹ substituents may join to form a fusedring. Preferably the fused ring is a dioxolane ring, more preferably a1,3-dioxolane ring, fused to the phenyl ring at the meta and parapositions relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pyridopyrimidinemoiety.

In another preferred embodiment of compounds containing8-pyridopyrimidine, the phenyl group is substituted with two or moredifferent substituents, preferably disubstituted, and preferably chloroand methoxy, and preferably disubstituted at the non-adjacent ortho andmeta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety, more preferably where methoxy is at the orthoposition and chloro is at the meta position relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety; or preferably isdisubstituted with fluoro and methoxy, preferably at the adjacent orthoand meta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepyridopyrimidine moiety, more preferably where fluoro is at the orthoposition and methoxy is at the meta position relative to the phenyl'sattachment to the pyridopyrimidine moiety.

In addition, in compounds containing the pteridine nucleus, the phenylgroup preferably contains at least one halo substituent at the ortho,meta or para positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepteridine moiety. In a more preferred embodiment, the phenyl groupcontains one chloro group at the ortho or meta positions relative to thephenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety; one fluoro group at theortho, meta or para positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepteridine moiety; or one bromo or iodo at the meta position relative tothe phenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety. In another preferredembodiment, the phenyl group contains two halo groups preferablydifluoro, preferably disubstituted at the non-adjacent ortho and metapositions relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety.In one aspect, the two halo groups are preferably dichloro, preferablydisubstituted at the adjacent ortho and meta positions relative to thephenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety. In another aspect, the twohalo groups are preferably fluoro and chloro, preferably disubstitutedat the adjacent or non-adjacent ortho and meta positions relative to thephenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety, preferably where the fluorois at the ortho position, and the chloro is at either meta position, andeven more preferably where the chloro is at the non-adjacent metaposition. In yet another aspect, the two halo groups are preferablyfluoro and bromo preferably substituted at the non-adjacent ortho andmeta positions relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pteridinemoiety, preferably where the fluoro is at the ortho position, and thebromo is at the non-adjacent meta position.

In another preferred embodiment in compounds containing pteridine, thephenyl group is substituted, preferably at one or more positions,preferably one position, and more preferably with alkoxy, even morepreferably with methoxy, and preferably at the ortho or meta positionrelative to the phenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety. In anotherembodiment in compounds containing pteridine, the phenyl is preferablysubstituted with haloalkyl, preferably trifluoromethyl, and preferablyat the meta position relative to the phenyl's attachment to thepteridine moiety.

In another preferred embodiment of compounds containing pteridine, thephenyl group is substituted with two or more different substituents,preferably two substituents, and preferably disubstituted with halo andhaloalkyl, more preferably fluoro and trifluoromethyl, and preferablydisubstituted at the non-adjacent ortho and meta positions relative tothe phenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety, more preferably wherefluoro is at the ortho position and trifluoromethyl is at the metaposition relative to the phenyl's attachment to the pteridine moiety.

The pyridyl moiety may be substituted with O-3 R² groups. Preferably, R²is independently halo, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, acyl or hetero-formsthereof. More preferably R² is lower alkyl (1-3C), halo such as Br, I,Cl or F. Even more preferably, R² is methyl, ethyl, bromo, iodo, CONH₂,or CONHR wherein R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkenyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4heteroatoms in place of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where theoptional substituents are ═O, ═N, or OH. Most preferably, n is O; thatis, the pyridyl moiety is unsubstituted.

The following provisos apply to the inventive compounds:

-   -   when Z⁵-Z⁷ are CH and Z⁸ is N, when R³ is H, and when the        pyridyl is unsubstituted, then m is 1-3 (i.e., the phenyl is        substituted) and if m is 1, then R¹ is not 2-fluoro or 2-chloro;    -   when Z⁵ and Z⁸ are N and Z⁶ and Z⁷ are CH, when R³ is H, and        when the pyridyl is unsubstituted, then the phenyl is        substituted; and    -   when Z⁵ is N and Z⁶-Z⁸ are CH, when R³ is H, and when the        pyridyl is unsubstituted, then the phenyl is substituted.

As used herein, “hydrocarbyl residue” refers to a residue which containsonly carbon and hydrogen. The residue may be aliphatic or aromatic,straight-chain, cyclic, branched, saturated or unsaturated. Thehydrocarbyl residue, when indicated, may contain heteroatoms over andabove the carbon and hydrogen members of the substituent residue. Thus,when specifically noted as containing such heteroatoms, the hydrocarbylresidue may also contain carbonyl groups, amino groups, hydroxyl groupsand the like, or contain heteroatoms within the “backbone” of thehydrocarbyl residue.

As used herein, the term “alkyl,” “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” includestraight- and branched-chain and cyclic monovalent substituents.Examples include methyl, ethyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, cyclohexyl,cyclopentylethyl, 2-propenyl, 3-butynyl, and the like. Typically, thealkyl, alkenyl and alkynyl substituents contain 1-12C (alkyl) or 2-12C(alkenyl or alkynyl). Preferably they contain lower alkyl such as 1-6C(alkyl) or 1-3C (alkyl) or 2-6C (alkenyl or alkynyl). Heteroalkyl,heteroalkenyl and heteroalkynyl are similarly defined but may contain1-2 O, S or N heteroatoms or combinations thereof within the backboneresidue.

As used herein, “acyl” encompasses the definitions of alkyl, alkenyl,alkynyl and the related hetero-forms which are coupled to an additionalresidue through a carbonyl group.

“Aromatic” moiety refers to a monocyclic or fused bicyclic moiety suchas phenyl or naphthyl; “heteroaromatic” also refers to monocyclic orfused bicyclic ring systems containing one ore more heteroatoms selectedfrom O, S and N. The inclusion of a heteroatom permits inclusion of5-membered rings as well as 6-membered rings. Thus, typical aromaticsystems include pyridyl, pyrimidinyl, indolyl, benzimidazolyl,benzotriazolyl, isoquinolyl, quinolyl, benzothiazolyl, benzofuranyl,thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, thiazolyl, oxazolyl, imidazolyl and the like.Any monocyclic or fused ring bicyclic system which has thecharacteristics of aromaticity in terms of electron distributionthroughout the ring system is included in this definition. Typically,the ring systems contain 5-12 ring member atoms.

Similarly, “arylalkyl” and “heteroalkyl” refer to aromatic andheteroaromatic systems which are coupled to another residue through acarbon chain, including substituted or unsubstituted, saturated orunsaturated, carbon chains, typically of 1-12C or preferably 1-6C. Thesecarbon chains may also include a carbonyl group, thus making them ableto provide substituents as an acyl moiety.

As used herein “halo,” “halide” or “halogens”, include the chloro,fluoro, bromo and iodo, and may refer to one or more halides on aparticular moiety. For example, R-halide, where R is alkyl, may refer toCFH₂, CF₂H or CF₃.

The pyridyl moiety, may also comprise two substituents which, whentogether, form a 5-7 membered carbocyclic or heterocyclic aliphaticring. In a preferred embodiment, the compound has the formula:

-   -   or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof;    -   wherein each of Z⁵, Z⁶ and Z⁷ is N or CH and wherein one or two        Z⁵, Z⁶ and Z⁷ are N and wherein two adjacent Z positions cannot        be N;    -   wherein R¹ is F, Cl, Br, I or CH₃;    -   wherein R^(1′) is Br, F or Cl; and    -   wherein R² is not present, is CH₃ or is an electron-withdrawing        group.

An electron-withdrawing group is a term known in the art, andencompasses a group that is more electronegative than carbon, and thushas an electron-withdrawing inductive effect. Examples of such groupsare F, Cl, OCF₂H, OCF₃, CF₃, CONHR or CONH₂.

The compounds of formula (1) may be supplied in the form of theirpharmaceutically acceptable acid-addition salts including salts ofinorganic acids such as hydrochloric, sulfuric, hydrobromic, orphosphoric acid or salts of organic acids such as acetic, tartaric,succinic, benzoic, salicylic, and the like. If a carboxyl moiety ispresent on the compound of formula (1), the compound may also besupplied as a salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable cation, or may besupplied as an ester or free base.

Administration and Use

The compounds of the invention are useful among other indications intreating proliferative conditions. Thus, the compounds of formula (1) ortheir pharmaceutically acceptable salts are used in the manufacture of amedicament for prophylactic or therapeutic treatment of mammals,including humans, in respect of conditions characterized by excessiveproduction of TGF-β or enhanced sensitivity to TGF-β.

The TGF-β inhibition activity is useful in treating fibroproliferativediseases, treating collagen vascular disorders, treating eye diseasesassociated with a fibroproliferative condition, venting excessivescarring, treating neurological conditions and other conditions that aretargets for TGF-β inhibitors and in preventing excessive scarring thatelicits and accompanies restenosis following coronary angioplasty,cardiac fibrosis occurring after infarction and progressive heartfailure, and in hypertensive vasculopathy, and keloid formation orhypertrophic scars occurring during the healing of wounds includingsurgical wounds and traumatic lacerations.

Neurological conditions characterized by TGF-β production include CNSinjury after traumatic and hypoxic insults, Alzheimer's disease, andParkinson's disease.

Other conditions that are potential clinical targets for TGF-βinhibitors include myelofibrosis, tissue thickening resulting fromradiation treatment, nasal polyposis, polyp surgery, liver cirrhosis,and osteoporosis.

Diseases benefited by TGF-β inhibition include cardiovascular diseasessuch as congestive heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy, myocarditis,or vascular stenosis associated with atherosclerosis, angioplastytreatment, or surgical incisions or mechanical trauma; kidney diseasesassociated with fibrosis and/or sclerosis, including glomerulonephritisof all etiologies, diabetic nephropathy, and all causes of renalinterstitial fibrosis, including hypertension, complications of drugexposure, such as cyclosporin, HIV-associated nephropathy, transplantnephropathy, chronic ureteral obstruction; hepatic diseases associatedwith excessive scarring and progressive sclerosis, including cirrhosisdue to all etiologies, disorders of the biliary tree, and hepaticdysfunction attributable to infections such as hepatitis virus orparasites; syndromes associated with pulmonary fibrosis withconsequential loss of gas exchange or ability to efficiently move airinto and out of the lungs, including adult respiratory distresssyndrome, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary fibrosis due toinfectious or toxic agents such as smoke, chemicals, allergens, orautoimmune disease; all collagen vascular disorders of a chronic orpersistent nature including progressive systemic sclerosis,polymyositis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, fascists, or Raynaud'ssyndrome, or arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis; eyediseases associated with fibroproliferative states, includingproliferative vitreoretinopathy of any etiology or fibrosis associatedwith ocular surgery such as retinal reattachment, cataract extraction,or drainage procedures of any kind; excessive or hypertrophic scarformation in the dermis occurring during wound healing resulting fromtrauma or surgical wounds; disorders of the gastrointestinal tractassociated with chronic inflammation, such as Crohn's disease orulcerative colitis or adhesion formation as a result of trauma orsurgical wounds, polyposis or states post polyp surgery; chronicscarring of the peritoneum associated with endometriosis, ovariandisease, peritoneal dialysis, or surgical wounds; neurologicalconditions characterized by TGF-β production or enhanced sensitivity toTGF-β, including states post-traumatic or hypoxic injury, Alzheimer'sdisease, and Parkinson's disease; and diseases of the joints involvingscarring sufficient to impede mobility or produce pain, including statespost-mechanical or surgical trauma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoidarthritis. In addition, various cancers can be treated through therapywhich inhibits TGFb.

The modulation of the immune and inflammation systems by TGF-β (Wahl etal. Immunol Today (1989) 10:258-61) includes stimulation of leukocyterecruitment, cytokine production, and lymphocyte effector function, andinhibition of T-cell subset proliferation, B-cell proliferation,antibody formation, and monocytic respiratory burst. TGF-β is astimulator for the excess production of extracellular matrix proteins,including fibronectin and collagen. It also inhibits the production ofenzymes that degrade these matrix proteins. The net effect is theaccumulation of fibrous tissue which is the hallmark offibroproliferative diseases.

TGF-β is active as a homodimer, but is synthesized and secreted fromcells as an inactive latent complex of the mature homodimer andproregions, called latency associated protein (LAP). These proteins bindto each other through noncovalent interactions (Lyons and Moses Eur JBiochem (1990) 187:467). LAP is often disulfide-linked to separate geneproducts, called latent TGF-β binding proteins or LTBPs. These latentforms provide stability for the mature cytokine and a means fortargeting it to the extracellular matrix and cell surfaces (Lawrence EurCytokine Network (1996) 7:363-74). Activation of the latent complexoccurs after secretion from cells and is believed to result from theaction of proteases, such as plasmin (Munger et al. Kidney Intl (1997)51:1376-82), on LAP, thrombospondin-1 binding (Crawford et al. Cell(1998) 93:1159-70), and binding to the integrin v6 (Munger et al. Cell(1999) 319-28).

Other than v6 there is a variety of cell surface proteins/receptors thattransduce the signals initiated by binding of the active TGF-β ligand toits receptors. These include types I, II, III, IV, and V. Type IV ispresent only in the pituitary gland while the others are ubiquitous. Thebinding affinities among the three isoforms for the type I and IIreceptors differ such that these two receptors bind TGF-β1 and TGF-β3more tightly than TGF-β2 (Massague Cell (1992) 69:1067-70).

The type IV receptor or endoglin has a similar isoform binding profilein contrast to the type III receptor, betaglycan, which binds equallywell to all three isoforms (Wang et al. Cell (1991) 67:797-805;Lopez-Casillas Cell (1991) 67:785-95). The type V receptor binds toIGFBP-3 and is thought to have an active kinase domain similar to thetype I and II receptors. Cloning of the type I and type II receptorsdemonstrated the existence of cytoplasmic serine/threonine kinasedomains (Wrana et al. Cell (1992) 71:1003-14; Lin et al. Cell (1992)68:775-85; Ibid. 71:1069; Massague Cell (1992) 69:1067-70). Initiationof the TGF-β signaling pathway results from the binding of the TGF-βligand to the extracellular domain of the type II receptor (Massague AnnRev Biochem (1998) 67:753-91). The bound receptor then recruits type Ireceptor into a multimeric membrane complex, whereupon theconstitutively active type II receptor kinase phosphorylates andactivates type I receptor kinase. The function of the type I receptorkinase is to phosphorylate a receptor-associated co-transcriptionfactor, smad-2/3, thereby releasing it into the cytoplasm where it bindsto smad-4. This smad complex translocates into the nucleus, associateswith a DNA-binding cofactor, such as Fast-1, binds to enhancer regionsof specific genes, and activates transcription. The expression of thesegenes leads to the synthesis of cell cycle regulators that controlproliferative responses or extracellular matrix proteins that mediateoutside-in cell signaling, cell adhesion, migration, and intercellularcommunication.

The manner of administration and formulation of the compounds useful inthe invention and their related compounds will depend on the nature ofthe condition, the severity of the condition, the particular subject tobe treated, and the judgement of the practitioner; formulation willdepend on mode of administration. As the compounds of the invention aresmall molecules, they are conveniently administered by oraladministration by compounding them with suitable pharmaceuticalexcipients so as to provide tablets, capsules, syrups, and the like.Suitable formulations for oral administration may also include minorcomponents such as buffers, flavoring agents and the like. Typically,the amount of active ingredient in the formulations will be in the rangeof 5%-95% of the total formulation, but wide variation is permitteddepending on the carrier. Suitable carriers include sucrose, pectin,magnesium stearate, lactose, peanut oil, olive oil, water, and the like.

The compounds useful in the invention may also be administered throughsuppositories or other transmucosal vehicles. Typically, suchformulations will include excipients that facilitate the passage of thecompound through the mucosa such as pharmaceutically acceptabledetergents.

The compounds may also be administered topically, for topical conditionssuch as psoriasis, or in formulation intended to penetrate the skin.These include lotions, creams, ointments and the like which can beformulated by known methods.

The compounds may also be administered by injection, includingintravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection.Typical formulations for such use are liquid formulations in isotonicvehicles such as Hank's solution or Ringer's solution.

Alternative formulations include nasal sprays, liposomal formulations,slow-release formulations, and the like, as are known in the art.

Any suitable formulation may be used. A compendium of art-knownformulations is found in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, latestedition, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa. Reference to this manualis routine in the art.

The dosages of the compounds of the invention will depend on a number offactors which will vary from patient to patient. However, it is believedthat generally, the daily oral dosage will utilize 0.001-100 mg/kg totalbody weight, preferably from 0.01-50 mg/kg and more preferably about0.01 mg/kg-10 mg/kg. The dose regimen will vary, however, depending onthe conditions being treated and the judgment of the practitioner.

It should be noted that the compounds of formula (1) can be administeredas individual active ingredients, or as mixtures of several embodimentsof this formula. In addition, the inhibitors of TGF-β, can be used assingle therapeutic agents or in combination with other therapeuticagents. Drugs that could be usefully combined with these compoundsinclude natural or synthetic corticosteroids, particularly prednisoneand its derivatives, monoclonal antibodies targeting cells of the immunesystem, antibodies or soluble receptors or receptor fusion proteinstargeting immune or non-immune cytokines, and small molecule inhibitorsof cell division, protein synthesis, or mRNA transcription ortranslation, or inhibitors of immune cell differentiation or activation.

As implicated above, although the compounds of the invention may be usedin humans, they are also available for veterinary use in treating animalsubjects.

Synthesis of the Invention Compounds

The compounds of the invention having a pteridine nucleus may besynthesized from methyl 3-amino-2-pyrazine carboxylate as described inReaction Scheme I. Alternatively, compounds of the invention having apyridopyrimidine nucleus having a nitrogen at the 7 position may besynthesized from ethyl 1-benzyl-3-oxo-piperidinecarboxylate-hydrochloride and benzamidine hydrochloride or analogthereof as illustrated in Reaction Scheme II. Compounds of the inventionhaving a pyridopyrimidine nucleus where there is an N in the 6 positionof the nucleus may be prepared from methyl 1-benzyl-oxo-3-piperidinecarboxylate hydrochloride and benzamidine hydrochloride as shown inReaction Scheme III. Compounds of the invention having apyridopyrimidine nucleus having an N at the 8 position may besynthesized from 2-amino nicotinic acid methyl ester. An alternateprocedure for the final step in Reaction Scheme IV is illustrated inReaction Scheme V.

Compounds of the invention include those in Table 1. TABLE 1 COMPOUND #STRUCTURE 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

40

41

42

43

44

45

46

47

This general scheme was used for the synthesis of compounds 1-22.

This general scheme was used for the synthesis of compounds usingdifferent acid chlorides.

While the foregoing exemplary Reaction Schemes are set forth toillustrate the synthetic methods of the invention, it is understood thatthe substituents shown on the quinazoline derivative ring of theproducts are generically of the formula (1) as described herein and thatthe reactants may be substituted accordingly.

The following examples are intended to illustrate, but not to limit, theinvention.

EXAMPLE 1

Examples 1-4 illustrates Reaction Scheme 1 where the substituents are aslisted in the Table below. The compounds in bold are found in theReaction Schemes. Compound R Substitution R2 Substitution Ib, If, Ij, 17para F H Ic, Ig, Ik, 12 meta CF3 H Id, Ih, Il, 11 ortho Cl H Ie, Ii, Im,13 meta F HSynthesis of Compound 17

Pyridine (2.1 mL, 0.025 mol) was added to methyl 3-amino-2-pyrazinecarboxylate Ia (3 g, 0.020 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (50 mL) and stirred for 5minutes under nitrogen at room temperature. 4-fluorobenzoyl chloride(3.5 mL, 0.029 mol) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. Themixture was stirred for 18 hours under nitrogen. The reaction mixturewas washed with 5% Na₂CO₃ solution (2×200 mL), water (2×200 mL), brine(2×200 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Thedesired product Ib was obtained by re-crystallization from ethyl acetate(1.6 g, 30% yield). EIMS: M+ 275

NH₄OH (28% NH₃ in H₂O, 10 mL) was added to a stirred suspension of theamide Ib (0.69 g) in EtOH (30 mL) and stirred for 1 hr. 10 M NaOH (2 mL)was added and refluxed for 1 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo. Thesolid was re-suspended in water and acidified with 4M HCl until thesolution was at pH 1. The product If was filtered and washed with waterand acetone and dried in vacuo at 45° C. for 18-24 hours (0.25 g, 42%yield).EIMS: M+=242

Thionyl chloride (0.4 mL, 0.005 mol) was added to the stirred suspensionof the pyrimidone If (0.25 g, 0.001 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (15 mL) and dryDMF (0.5 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed under nitrogen for 1hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give solid Ij which was driedon the high vacuum pump for 1 hour and directly used in the nextreaction 4-aminopyridine (0.126 g, 0.001 mol) was added to the iminochloride Ij (0.269 g) in triethylamine (0.3 mL, 0.02 mol) and DMF (5mL). The reaction mixture was then immediately heated to 160° C. for 15minutes under nitrogen. CHCl₃ (100 mL) was added and the organic layerwas washed with water (3×100 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent wasremoved in vacuo. The solid was purified by silica gel columnchromatography, eluant 20:1 CHCl₃: MeOH to give the product 17 (0.11 g,36% over 2 steps). [M]⁺=319

EXAMPLE 2 Synthesis of Compound 12

Pyridine (2.7 mL, 0.034 mol) was added to methyl 3-amino-2-pyrazinecarboxylate Ia (4 g, 0.026 mol, 1 eq) in dry CHCl₃ (50 mL) and stirredfor 5 minutes under nitrogen at room temperature. 3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl chloride (7.88 mL, 0.052 mol) was added slowly to the reactionmixture. The mixture was stirred for 18 hours under nitrogen. Thereaction mixture was washed with 5% Na₂CO₃ solution (2×200 mL), water(2×200 mL), brine (2×200 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removedin vacuo. The desired product Ic was obtained by re-crystallization fromethyl acetate (1.94, 23% yield). EIMS: M+=325

NH₄OH (28% NH₃ in H₂O, 15 mL) was added to a stirred suspension of theamide Ic (1.94 g) in EtOH (30 mL) and stirred for 1 hr. 10 M NaOH (3 mL)was added and refluxed for 1 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo. Thesolid was re-suspended in water and acidified with 4M HCl until thesolution was at pH 1. The product Ig was filtered and washed with waterand acetone and dried in vacuo at 45° C. for 18-24 hours (0.64 g, 38%yield).

Thionyl chloride (0.7 mL, 0.01 mol) was added to the stirred suspensionof the pyrimidone Ig (0.635 g, 0.002 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (20 mL) and dryDMF (0.2 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed under nitrogen for 1hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give solid Ik which was driedon the high vacuum pump for 1 hour and directly used in the nextreaction. ESMS M+=310.89

4-aminopyridine (0.266 g, 0.002 mol) was added to the imino chloride Ik(0.675 g) in triethylamine (0.6 mL, 0.004 mol) and DMF (5 mL). Thereaction mixture was then immediately heated to 160° C. for 15 minutesunder nitrogen. CHCl₃ (50 mL) was added and the organic layer was washedwith water (3×100 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent was removed invacuo. An 80 mg aliquot crude sample was purified by preparative HPLC.12 (30 mg). [M]+=368.93

EXAMPLE 3 Synthesis of Compound 10

Pyridine (2.7 mL, 0.034 mol) was added to methyl 3-amino-2-pyrazinecarboxylate Ia (4 g, 0.026 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (50 mL) and stirred for 5minutes under nitrogen at room temperature. 2-chlorobenzoyl chloride(6.6 mL, 0.052 mol) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. Themixture was stirred for 18 hours under nitrogen. The reaction mixturewas washed with 5% Na₂CO₃ solution (2×200 mL), water (2×200 mL), brine(2×200 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Thedesired product Id was obtained silica gel chromatography 1:1 hexane:ethyl acetate (1.65 g, 21% yield). EIMS M−Cl=256.

NH₄OH (28% NH₃ in H₂O, 15 mL) was added to a stirred suspension of theamide Id (0.88 g) in EtOH (20 mL) and stirred for 1 hr. 10M NaOH (2 mL)was added and refluxed for 1 hr. The solvent was removed in vacuo. Thesolid was re-suspended in water and acidified with 4M HCl until thesolution was at pH 1. The product Ih was filtered and washed with waterand acetone and dried in vacuo at 45° C. for 18-24 hours (0.56 g, 71%yield). EIMS: M+=258

Thionyl chloride (0.13 mL, 0.002 mol) was added to the stirredsuspension of the pyrimidone Ih (0.1 g, 0.0004 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (10 mL)and dry DMF (0.1 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed under nitrogenfor 0.5 hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo to give solid Il whichwas dried on the high vacuum pump for 1 hour and directly used in thenext reaction. (100 mg) 4-aminopyridine (0.029 g, 0.0003 mol) was addedto the imino chloride Il (0.053 g) in triethylamine (0.05 mL, 0.0004mol) and DMF (10 mL). The reaction mixture was then immediately heatedto 160° C. for 15 minutes under nitrogen. CHCl₃ (20 mL) was added andthe organic layer was washed with water (3×50 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). Thesolvent was removed in vacuo. A sample of the crude solid was purifiedby preparative HPLC.(11, 4 mg) [M]+=334.95

EXAMPLE 4 Synthesis of Compound 13

Pyridine (2.7 mL, 0.034 mol) was added to methyl 3-amino-2-pyrazinecarboxylate Ia (4 g, 0.026 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (50 mL) and stirred for 5minutes under nitrogen at room temperature. 3-fluorobenzoyl chloride(6.35 mL, 0.052 mol) was added slowly to the reaction mixture. Themixture was stirred for 18 hours under nitrogen. The reaction mixturewas washed with 5% Na₂CO₃ solution (2×200 mL), water (2×200 mL), brine(2×200 mL), dried (MgSO₄) and the solvent was removed in vacuo. Thedesired product le was obtained by re-crystallization from ethyl acetate(1.68 g, 23% yield). EIMS: M+=275.

NH₄OH (28% NH₃ in H₂O, 15 mL) was added to a stirred suspension of theamide Ie (1.68 g) in EtOH (45 mL) and stirred for 1 hour. 10 M NaOH (3mL) was added and refluxed for 1 hour. The solvent was removed in vacuo.The solid was re-suspended in water and acidified with 4M HCl until thesolution was at pH 1. The product Ii was filtered and washed with waterand acetone and dried in vacuo at 45° C. for 18-24 hours (0.92 g, 61%).

Thionyl chloride (0.7 mL, 0.01 mol) was added to the stirred suspensionof the pyrimidone Ii (0.5 g, 0.002 mol) in dry CHCl₃ (20 mL) and dry DMF(0.2 mL). The reaction mixture was refluxed under nitrogen for 1.0 hour.The solvent was removed in vacuo to give solid Im which was dried on thehigh vacuum pump for 1 hour and directly used in the next reaction. (540mg) 4-aminopyridine (0.252 g, 0.0027 mol) was added to the iminochloride Im (0.540 g) in triethylamine (0.6 mL, 0.004 mol) and DMF (5mL). The reaction mixture was then immediately heated to 160° C. for 15minutes under nitrogen. CHCl₃ (20 mL) was added and the organic layerwas washed with water (3×50 mL) and dried (MgSO₄). The solvent wasremoved in vacuo. An 80 mg aliquot crude sample was purified bypreparative HPLC (13, 12 mg) [M]+=318.91.

Different acid chlorides were used to generate different amides (e.g.Ib). Differentially substituted 4-aminopyridines were used to generatedifferently substituted analogs. (e.g. 7, 8, 20, 21, and 22).

EXAMPLE 5 Synthesis of Compounds 23 and 25

This example illustrates Reaction Scheme II.

Preparation of IIa:

Ethyl 1-benzyl-3-oxo-4-piperidine carboxylate-HCl (10 g, 33.58 mmole, 1eq) was added to a solution of 25% sodium methoxide in methanol (4 eq)while cooling reaction mixture on an ice bath. Benzamidine hydrochloridewas added slowly followed by dilution of reaction mixture to 200 ml withethanol. The reaction mixture was refluxed overnight, followed byevaporation to dryness, residue was taken up in water extracted withdichloromethane (2×50 ml). Combined extracts were dried over sodiumsulfate (anh) and solvent removed to give 1.4 g tan solid. Ethyl acetatewas added to the aqueous layer which caused the precipitation of a whitesolid. Solid was isolated and washed with a small amount of methanol andvacuum dried to give 8.5 g product (80%). Compound 25 was prepared in ananalogous fashion using 3-chlorobenzamidine hydrochloride in place ofbenzamidine hydrochloride.

Preparation of IIb:

Removal of benzyl group from IIa was accomplished as follows. IIa (3.0g, 9.5 mmole) was dissolved in acetic acid. 300 mg of 10% Pd/C catalystwas added and hydrogenation was carried out at 45° C. for 4 hours.Removed catalyst by filtration over celite. Evaporated acetic acid togive product as white solid 3.4 g (acetate salt) (80% yield).

Preparation of IIc:

IIb (3.4 g 15 mmole) was suspended in m-xylene, added 10% Pd/C (3.0 g)and refluxed for 6 hours. Removed catalyst by filtration over celite.Removed solvent to give 1.3 g product (38%).

Preparation of IId:

IIc (446 mg, 2 mmole) was suspended in phosphorous oxychloride (8 ml)and heated to reflux for 15 minutes. Removed excess phosphorousoxychloride under vacuum. Residue was treated with ice water, extractedwith chloroform. Combined chloroform extracts were washed with water,dried over sodium sulfate (anh.) and solvent removed under vacuum togive 494 mg product.

Preparation of 23:

IId (494 mg , 2.05 mmole) was suspended in isopropanol (5 ml), added4-aminopyridine (192 mg, 2.05 mmole), 6 ml dimethyl formamide, 0.25 mltriethylamine and heated to 50° C. for 20 minutes. Cooled reactionmixture was filtered, product washed with 1 ml methanol, dried to give373 mg. This material was purified by reversed phase HPLC to give 129 mgproduct.

EXAMPLE 6 Synthesis of Compound 24

This example illustrates Reaction Scheme III.

Preparation of IIIa:

Methyl 1-benzyl-oxo-3-piperidine carboxylate HCl (11.27 g, 39.72 mmole)was added to a solution of 25% sodium methoxide (31 ml, 4 eq) inmethanol while cooling the reaction mixture in an ice bath. Addedbenzamidine HCl (6.93 g, 39.72 mmole) slowly then diluted the mixture to200 ml with ethanol. Refluxed the reaction 4 hours. Removed ethanolunder vacuum, residue was taken up in dichloromethane and water,extracted with dichloromethane, combined dichloromethane extracts driedover sodium sulfate (anh) and evaporated to dryness to give 4.36 gproduct. Ethyl acetate was added to aqueous layer to give a white solidwhich was washed with minimum amount of chloroform to give 3.65 gproduct. A second crop was obtained upon standing overnight 3.92 g.Total yield 7.57 g (61% yield).

Preparation of IIIb:

IIIa (3.5 g, 11.03 mmole) was dissolved in 80 ml acetic acid, added 400mg 10% Pd/C and hydrogenated at 40 psi at 50° C. for 5 hours. Filteredmixture over celite to remove catalyst. Evaporated acetic acid to giveproduct as acetate salt. 3.7 g (97% yield).

Preparation of IIIc:

IIIb (3.5 g) was dissolved in water, added ethyl acetate, basified with1M NaOH to pH 9. Free base of IIIb was extracted with ethyl acetate,then dichloromethane, combined extracts dried over sodium sulfate(anh.). Removed solvent to give the free base of IIIb. This wassuspended in m-xylene (60 ml) added 10% Pd/C (500 mg) and refluxed for1.5 days. Removed catalyst by filtration over celite. Removed xyleneunder vacuum to give product (700 mg).

Preparation of IIId:

The pyridopyrimidone IIIc (500 mg) was suspended in phosphorousoxychloride (5 ml) and heated to reflux for 4 hours at which time allstarting material was dissolved in solution. Removed excess phosphorousoxychloride under vacuum. The residue was treated with ice (50 ml)chloroform (50 ml), mixture neutralized with addition of 10% sodiumbicarbonate. Washed chloroform with 10% sodium bicarbonate, driedchloroform over sodium sulfate (anh). Removed solvent to give crudeproduct. This material was chromatographed on silica gel eluting withchloroform to give 62 mg product.

Synthesis of 24:

Iminochloride IIId (60 mg, 0.248 mmole) was combined with4-aminopyridine (46.7 mg, 0.496 mmole, 2 eq) in 2 ml dimethylformamide.Added 86 microliters diisopropylethylamine and heated to 60° C. for 1hour. Reaction mixture was subjected to HPLC purification on reversedphase HPLC to give the purified product.

EXAMPLE 7 Synthesis of Compound 33 General Method for the Synthesis ofCompounds 26-44

This example illustrates Reaction Scheme IV.

Preparation of IVa:

2-Amino nicotinic acid (50 g, 0.362 mole) was dissolved in 500 mlmethanol and treated with thionyl chloride (66 ml, 107.6 g, 0.905 mole)dropwise over 30 min. Reaction mixture was heated to reflux for 3 days.Removed solvent under vacuum, residue taken up in chloroform, washedwith 5% HCl (50 ml), 10% sodium bicarbonate (50 ml), water, andchloroform layer dried over sodium sulfate (anh). Removed solvent togive 27 g product (49.1% yield).

Preparation of IVb:

2-aminonicotinic acid methyl ester (6.4 g, 42 mmole) was dissolved inchloroform (50 ml) treated with triethylamine (6.25 ml, 45 mmole)followed by dropwise addition of 3-chlorobenzoyl chloride (7.8 g, 45mmole) dissolved in 10 ml chloroform. The reaction mixture was stirredfor 2 days at room temperature, washed reaction mixture with 10% sodiumbicarbonate, 5% HCl, water. Dried chloroform layer over sodium sulfate(anh), removed solvent to give an oil. Trituration with 30% ethylacetate in hexanes gave the product as a solid, which was isolated byfiltration to give 12.4 g product

Preparation of IVc:

The amide IVb (6.81 g, 23.4 mmole) was suspended in methanol (10 ml)treated with 25 ml 28% ammonium hydroxide. Heated reaction mixture for 4hours then added 25 ml 28% ammonium hydroxide Sodium hydroxide andrefluxed overnight. Upon cooling a white solid was deposited. Removedmethanol, filtered solid to give product 2.8 g

Preparation of IVd:

Similar to the preparation of IIId.

Preparation of 33:

Similar to the preparation of compound 24.

Twenty-eight different acid chlorides were used to generate differentamides (e.g. IVb). Differentially substituted 4-aminopyridines were usedto generate differently substituted analogs (e.g. compounds 43 and 44).

EXAMPLE 8 Synthesis of Compounds 43 and 44

This example illustrates Reaction Scheme V.

Preparation of 43:

4-chloro-2-(2-fluoro-5-chlorophenyl)pyridopyrimidine was used as thepartner in the Buchwald coupling step, shown above, to prepare compound43.

Preparation of 44:

IVd, 4-chloro-2-(3-chlorophenyl)pyridopyrimidine (294 mg, 1 mmole) wassuspended in 8 ml dioxane, followed by addition of 4-aminopicoline (129mg, 1.2 mmole), 2,2′Bis(diphenylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthalene (BINAP,4.66 mg, 0.0075 mmole). Tris(dibenzylidene acetone)dipalladium(0)(Pd₂(dba)₃ 2.2 mg, 0.0025 mmole) and cesium carbonate (456 mg, 1.4mmole). The mixture was stirred at 100° C. under an inert atmosphere for18 hr. Reaction mixture was filtered over celite and product wasisolated by preparative reversed phase HPLC.

EXAMPLE 9 Alternate Synthesis of Compound 43

Preparation of Boc-4-amino-3-picoline:

3-Methyl-4-aminopyridine (20.00 g, 0.185 mol) in dry THF (150 mL) wasadded a solution of Di-tert-butyl dicarbonate (Acros, 97% purity) (45.80g, 0.203 mol) in dry THF (50 mL). The resultant pale yellow solution wasleft stirred at room temperature for 3 hours before being evaporated.The solid that resulted was suspended in hexane (200 mL) and filtered.The solid was washed further with hexane (4×200 mL) to remove lasttraces of excess reagent, and dried under high vacuum. The product was ayellow crystalline solid (29.93 g, 78% yield).

Preparation of[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-(3-methyl-pyridin-4-yl)-carbamicacid tert-butyl ester:

Sodium hydride (3.78 g, 94.5 mmol) was placed in a three neck roundbottom flask. The system was purged with nitrogen and cooled to 0° C.180 mL of dry DMF was introduced to the reaction mixture, followed bythe addition of a solution of Boc-picoline (13.11 g, 62.95 mmol) in DMF(125 mL). This mixture was stirred for 20 minutes at the temperature ofan ice bath. At this time the imino chloride (19.4 g, 65.95 mmol) wasadded, as a solid in four equal portions. The additions were separatedby 2 minutes. After the addition of the imino chloride is complete theice bath was removed. The reaction mixture was stirred for an additional4 hours at room temperature. The reaction mixture was then quenched with600 mL water. To the quenched reaction mixture was added 800 mL ethylacetate. The ethyl acetate layer (which contains the product) was washed4×200 mL, with brine and dried over anhydrous magnesium sulfate,filtered and concentrated to an oily solid. This material was purifiedusing silica gel chromatography. Crude material was dissolved in Ethylacetate.

Elution with ethyl acetate/hexane (1:1), when the desired spot startedto elute the solvent ratio was changed to ethyl acetate/hexane (8:2),then followed by pure ethyl acetate. Fractions corresponding to theproduct were pooled and concentrated to give a white foam. 26 g. 72%yield.

Preparation of 43:

To a solution of HCl in ethylacetate (35 g of HCl in 1200 ml EtOAc) wasadded a solution of[2-(5-chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-(3-methyl-pyridin-4-yl)-carbamicacid tert-butyl ester (90 g) in EtOAc (200 ml) and the mixture wasstirred at room temperature for 3 days. The precipitate was filtered andwashed with EtOAc (4×200 ml) to give a pale yellow solid (75 g, 97%)which was not further purified.

EXAMPLE 10 Synthesis of Compound 45

Preparation of[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-(3-fluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-amine:

To a suspension of dioxane (5 ml), Pd(OAc)2 (50 mg), BINAP (20 mg),4-amino-3-fluoro-pyridine (42 mg) and Cs2CO3 (200 mg) was added thecrude imino chloride,4-Chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine (100 mg,0.34 mmol) in a sealed tube. The reaction mixture was heated to 110° C.for 15 h. The reaction mixture was cooled to r.t. and filtered throughCelite® and the crude material was purified by silica gel flash columnchromatography (95% to 5% gradient CH2Cl2/EtOAc) to afford[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-(3-fluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-amine(27.3 mg). Preparation of[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4-yl]-(3-bromo-pyridin-4-yl)-amine:

As above employing, 4-amino-3-bromo-pyridine as the 3-substituted4-aminopyridine.

Preparation of 45:

As above employing, 4-amino-3-iodo-pyridine as the 3-substituted4-aminopyridine.

EXAMPLE 11 Synthesis of Compound 46

Preparation of 46:

To a suspension of dioxane (15 ml), Pd(OAc)₂ (100 mg), BINAP (100 mg),4-amino-3-fluoro-pyridine (220 mg) and Cs₂CO₃ (1.0 g) was added thecrude imino chloride, xxx (500 mg) in a sealed tube. The reactionmixture was heated to 100° C. for 20 h. The reaction mixture was cooledto r.t. and filtered through Celite® and the crude material was purifiedby silica gel flash column chromatography (95% to 5% gradientCH₂Cl₂/EtOAc) to afford[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pteridin-4-yl]-(3-fluoro-pyridin-4-yl)-amine(200 mg).

EXAMPLE 12 Synthesis of Compound 47

Preparation of 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-nicotinic acid:

To a solution of 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-nicotinic acid methyl ester(6.02 g, 23.86 mmol) in dioxane (100 mL) was added aq. sodium hydroxide(0.970N solution, 28.05 mL, 27.20 mmol). The solution was heated to 60°C. for 1 hr then cooled. Aqueous hydrochloric acid (1.031M solution,26.99 mL, 27.20 mmol) was added and the mixture was extracted withchloroform (5×100 mL). The extracts were dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated togive 4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-nicotinic acid, a cream solid (4.70 g,83% yield) without further purification.

Preparation of 4-Amino nicotinamide:

4-tert-Butoxycarbonylamino-nicotinic acid (1.0 g, 4.20 mmol) wassuspended in dry DMF (50 mL) followed by carbonyl-diimidazole (CDI, 1.36g, 8.40 mmol). The mixture was heated to 60° C. for 1 h, then cooled.Dry ammonia gas was slowly bubbled through this solution for 1 h,followed by evaporation of the mixture. The residue was dissolved inwater (20 mL)/chloroform (50 mL) and shaken then the layers separated.The aqueous layer was extracted further with chloroform (3×50 mL) andthe combined organic extracts dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated to give ayellow oily solid. Silica gel chromatography (CH₂Cl₂, 0-15% MeOHgradient) gave the desired product, (3-carbamoyl-pyridin-4-yl)-carbamicacid tert-butyl ester, as a yellow solid. This material was directlytreated with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 20 mL) stirred at r.t. for 45min., then evaporated to give the desired amine, 4-Amino nicotinamide,as its TFA salt (892 mg, 85% yield over 2 steps).

Preparation of 47:

The 4-Chloro-2-(5-chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pteridine (200 mg), Pd2(dba)₃(31 mg) and BINAP (33 mg) were suspended in dioxane (20 mL) under N₂.The 4-amino-nicotinamide (256 mg) in dioxane (90 mL) was added followedby Cs₂CO₃ (665 mg). The mixture was then heated to 100° C. under N₂ for18 hours. The warm reaction mixture was then filtered through Celite andthe Celite pad was washed with methanol. The filtrate was thenconcentrated in vacuo to and the residue was purified by reverse phaseHPLC (CH₃CN: H₂O). The fractions containing pure product were evaporatedto dryness, dissolved in CHCl₃/MeOH Product, and acidified withHCl/Et₂O. The mixture was evaporated to dryness to afford the HCl saltof 4-[2-(5-Chloro-2-fluoro-phenyl)-pteridin-4-ylamino]-nicotinamide (10mg).

EXAMPLE 13 Assay for TGF-β Inhibition

The ability of invention compounds to inhibit TGF can be evaluated in aTGF β1 kinase autophosphorylation protocol. This assay can be conductedas follows: Compound dilutions and reagents are prepared fresh daily.Compounds are diluted from DMSO stock solutions to 2 times the desiredassay concentration, keeping final DMSO concentration in the assay lessthan or equal to 1%. TGF β1 kinase is diluted to 4 times the desiredassay concentration in buffer+DTT. ATP is diluted into 4× reactionbuffer, and gamma-33P-ATP is added at 60 uCi/mL.

The assay is performed by adding 10 ul of the enzyme to 20 ul of thecompound solution. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 10 ul ofATP mix. Final assay conditions include 10 uM ATP, 170 nM TGF β1 kinase,and 1M DTT in 20 mM MOPS, pH7. The reactions are then incubated at roomtemperature for 20 minutes afterwhich they are stopped by transferring23 ul of reaction mixture onto a phosphocellulose 96-well filter plate,(pre-wetted with 15 ul of 0.25M H3PO4 per well). After 5 minutes, thewells are washed 4× with 75 mM H3PO4 and once with 95% ethanol. Theplate is dried, scintillation cocktail is added to each well, and thewells are counted in a Packard TopCount microplate scintillationcounter. The ability of a compound to inhibit the enzyme is determinedby comparing the counts obtained in the presence of compound to those ofthe positive control (in the absence of compound) and the negativecontrol (in the absence of enzyme).

EXAMPLE 14 Assay for TGF-β Inhibition

Invention compounds can also be evaluated by measuring their abilitiesto inhibit the phosphorylation of the substrate casein. The assay can beconducted as follows: Compound dilutions and reagents are prepared freshdaily. Compounds are diluted from DMSO stock solutions to 2 times thedesired assay concentration, keeping final DMSO concentration in theassay less than or equal to 1%. TGF β1 kinase is diluted to 4 times thedesired assay concentration in buffer+DTT. ATP and casein are dilutedinto 4× reaction buffer, and gamma-33P-ATP is added at 50 uCi/mL.

The assay is performed by adding 10 ul of the enzyme to 20 ul of thecompound solution. The reaction is initiated by the addition of 10 ul ofthe casein/ATP mix. Final assay conditions included 2.5 uM ATP, 100 uMcasein, 6.4 nM TGF β1 kinase, and 1M DTT in 20 mM Tris buffer, pH 7.5.The reactions are incubated at room temperature for 45 minutes. Thereactions are then stopped by transferring 23 ul of reaction mixtureonto a phosphocellulose 96-well filter plate, which had been pre-wettedwith 15 ul of 0.25M H3PO4 per well. After 5 minutes, the wells arewashed 4× with 75 mM H3PO4 and once with 95% ethanol. The plate isdried, scintillation cocktail is added to each well, and the wells arecounted in a Packard TopCount microplate scintillation counter. Theability of a compound to inhibit the enzyme is determined by comparingthe counts obtained in the presence of the compound to those of thepositive control (in the absence of compound) and the negative control(in the absence of enzyme).

In both of the assays referenced above, IC₅₀ values can be determinedwith curve-fitting plots available with common software packages.Approximate IC₅₀ values can be calculated using formulaIC ₅₀(app)=A×i/(1−A)where A=fractional activity and i=total inhibitor concentration.

The compounds in Table 5 have been found to exhibit IC₅₀ values of lessthan 5 μM relative to TGFβ.

1. A compound of the formula:

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein each of Z⁵,Z⁶, Z⁷ and Z⁸ is N or CH and wherein one of Z⁵, Z⁶, Z⁷ and Z⁸ is N andthe rest are CH; wherein m and n are each independently 0-3; whereineach R¹ is independently OH, SH, NH₂, OR, SR, NHR, halo or R-halide;wherein two adjacent R¹ groups may be joined to form an aliphaticheterocyclic ring of 5-6 members; wherein each R² is independently R,halo, R-halide, OR-halide, NH₂, CONH₂ or CONHR; wherein R is optionallysubstituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkenyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂alkyl, containing 0-4 heteroatoms in place of a carbon in the carbonbackbone, where the optional substituents are ═O, ═N, or OH; and whereinR³ is H or CH₃; with the following provisos: when Z⁵-Z⁷ are CH and Z⁸ isN, R³ is H, and the pyridyl is unsubstituted, then m is 1-3, and m is 1,then R¹ is not 2-fluoro or 2-chloro; and when Z⁵ is N and Z⁶-Z⁸ are CH,R³ is H, and the pyridyl is unsubstituted, then the phenyl issubstituted.
 2. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is selected from thegroup consisting of H, fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo, methoxy, ethoxy,isopropoxy, and the trifluoro methyl or wherein two R¹ form a fused 1,3,dioxolane ring.
 3. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is one or morehalos.
 4. The compound of claim 1 wherein R¹ is independently one ormore alkyls, alkyl halides, alkoxys or O-alkyl phenyls.
 5. The compoundof claim 1 wherein m is 0, n is 1, and R² is positioned at the 3′position of the pyridyl.
 6. The compound of claim 1 wherein m is 1 or 2and R¹ is positioned at the 2′ or 5′ position of the phenyl moiety. 7.The compound of claim 1 wherein each R² is independently a hydrocarbylresidue (1-6C) containing 0-2 heteroatoms selected from O, S and N. 8.The compound of claim 7 wherein each R² is independently alkyl, CONH₂,CONHR, or halo.
 9. The compound of claim 1 where R² is selected from thegroup consisting of methyl, ethyl, CONH₂ and bromo.
 10. The compound ofclaim 1 wherein m and n are each independently 0-2.
 11. The compound ofclaim 1 where n is
 0. 12. The compound of claim 1 having the formula:

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; wherein each of Z⁵, Z⁶and Z⁷ is N or CH and one of Z⁵, Z⁶ and Z⁷ is N and and the rest are CH;wherein R¹ is F, Cl, Br, I or CH₃; wherein R^(1′) is Br, F or Cl; andwherein R² is not present, is CH₃ or is an electron-withdrawing group.13. The compound of claim 12 or the pharmaceutically acceptable saltsthereof, wherein R² is not present or is CH₃, F, Cl, OCF₂H, OCF₃, CF₃,CONHR or CONH₂; wherein R is optionally substituted C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, C₁-C₁₂alkenyl, C₁-C₁₂ alkynyl, or aryl C₁-C₁₂ alkyl, containing 0-4heteroatoms in place of a carbon in the carbon backbone, where theoptional substituents are ═O, ═N, or OH.
 14. The compound of claim 13 orthe pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R¹ is Cl andR^(1′) is F.
 15. A pharmaceutical composition for treating conditionscharacterized by enhanced TGF-β activity which composition comprises atherapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim
 1.

or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof and at least onepharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
 16. The composition of claim 10which further contains an additional therapeutic agent.
 17. (canceled)18. A method of treating a condition characterized by enhanced TGFβactivity, said method comprising administering to a subject in needthereof, the compound of claim 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof.
 19. The method of claim 18 wherein said condition comprises afibroproliferative response.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein saidfibroproliferative response is associated with a renal disorder, avascular disorder, a fibrosis, an autoimmune disorder, an eye disease,excessive scarring, a neurological condition, myelofibrosis, tissuethickening, nasal polyposis, a polyp, liver cirrhosis, or osteoporosis.21. The method of claim 20 wherein said renal disorder is selected fromthe group consisting of glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, renalinterstitial fibrosis, renal fibrosis in transplant patients receivingcyclosporin, and HIV-associated nephropathy; and wherein said vasculardisorder is selected from the group consisting of progressive systemicsclerosis, polymyositis, scleroderma, dermatomyositis, eosinophilicfascitis, morphea, and Raynaud's syndrome; and wherein said fibrosis isassociated with adult respiratory distress syndrome, idiopathicpulmonary fibrosis, interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis,keloid formation, or hypertrophic scarring; and wherein said autoimmunedisorder is selected from the group consisting of systemic lupuserythematosus, scleroderma, and rheumatoid arthritis; and wherein saideye disease is retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma; and whereinsaid neurological condition is CNS injury, Alzheimer's disease, orParkinson's disease.
 22. The method of claim 18 wherein the condition isnot characterized by overactivity of p38 or epidermal growth factor(EGF).